Ronaldo scored Real Madrid’s equaliser in the last 16 round clash, levelling Danny Welbeck’s opener. After powering a towering header into the bottom corner past United goalkeeper David De Gea, the Portuguese superstar chose not to celebrate out of respect for the club where he made his name.

And Ronaldo ended the evening with a reunion with his former team-mates after being permitted to entered Manchester United’s dressing room to meet up with some familiar faces who he had done battle with over 90 minutes.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said in his post-match interview: “I spoke to him and he is sitting in our dressing room now, talking to the lads. He had six years with us and I am proud of how he flourished.”

Ronaldo admitted facing United had been an emotional occasion and accepted returning to Old Trafford for the return leg will be even more significant following his six years spent in Manchester.

“I was in Manchester for six years, so tonight was very emotional for me,” Ronaldo told Sky Sports. “I scored a goal but I didn’t celebrate out of respect. It will be amazing to play at Old Trafford again after four years. It will be another emotional night.”

Ronaldo joined United in 2003 in a €15million deal from Sporting Lisbon and scored 118 times in 292 appearances during six seasons at Old Trafford. He let in 2009 in an £80million deal to join Real Madrid, where he has been for the past four seasons and averages more than a goal a game for the Spanish giants.